Port Allen Centennial Celebration

Port Allen turns 100 this year, and the city has set aside three days to celebrate its own rich history. The Old Ferry Landing Park downtown is the setting for the festivities.

The celebration kicks off with a prayer breakfast on Friday at 7 am, followed by a day of community service projects, collectively dubbed "100 Hours for 100 Years." The volunteers will work at Port City, the West Baton Rouge Museum, the West Baton Rouge Library, Food Bank and St. Vincent de Paul.

Activities on Saturday begin with a 5K run/walk at 7 am, followed by the Opening Ceremony. Rides, games, food, and arts booths open after the ceremony ends. Musical entertainment on two stages will begin at noon, until 10 pm: Luther Kent and others with the Hurricane Horn Section, Keith Frank Southern Zydeco Band, and the Neal Brothers. Saturday also sees the Centennial Parade, a night parade with illuminated floats, the Southern University Band, and Don Lemon; with a fireworks display at 10 pm.

A jambalaya cook-off kicks off Sunday festivities, along with rides, food, music, crafts, and a car show. Live music from Bucktown All Stars, Bag of Donuts, and Morris Day & The Time. The Last Ripp Brass Band will lead a second line at 7 pm to end the celebration.

The West Baton Rouge Museum has also partnered with the City to offer an exhibit, titled 100 Years of Progress: Celebrating Port Allen’s Centennial, which will be on display September 17 through October 23. It includes historical photos and artifacts of Port Allen’s history. In addition, the Museum has completed an Oral History Project including 12 interviews with business owners, local school alumni, and long-time residents who shared memories about families, school, work, sports, good times and tough times during the mid-20th century.